It is a proven fact that Americans spend a LOT of money on their pets.  We spoil them like they're our children.  In fact, for some, they ARE their children.  So why give them store bought treats?  After all, we prefer homemade to boxed store bought goodies.  They prefer the same.  Believe me when I tell you my dog Charlie waits at the door of the oven when I make his gourmet treats.  Give him the choice of store bought and his homemade, he'll take the homemade first!

But beware of homemade treats that claim "all natural".  Sometimes the seller is unaware of ingredients that they think may natural, but actually contain processed, preserved ingredients.  So rule of thumb if you don't know, ask before you buy. 

Something else to consider when asking the seller about the ingredients are food allergies, and ingredients that interfere with your dog's digestion.  For instance, wheat flour.  Wheat is a very common allergy in dogs.  Most natural dog treats contain wheat flour, because wheat flour is natural, white flour is not.  It is processed and bleached.  We all know chocolate is bad for dogs, but did you know raisins are bad as well?.  They both can cause liver and/or kidney damage and/or failure which can result in death if consumed in large quantities.  Icing should be made with yogurt, not sugar.  I can't stress enough...be thorough in asking about ingredients.

When making treats for your dog, carob is a wonderful alternative to chocolate.  Dogs love it.  Peanut butter is another favorite of your pampered pooch.  Mix the two together and you'll be loved forever!  But again, watch for allergies.    Peanut allergies are as common as wheat allergies.  Use cookie cutters for unique shapes.  Be creative.  If you're making treats to sell, consider alternatives to the typical bone shape.  We eat animal crackers, try a cookie shaped like a person for "people crackers".  A mailman shaped cutter would add a whimsical touch.  Remember if it's appealing to the dog's owner, your item will sell.  There are numerous sites available on the web for recipes, ingredients, cutters and general information on making dog treats.  Be informed and offer free samples.  Free samples will allow a potential buyer to test the product and see if their pet loves it.  This too will almost alway guarantee a return customer.